The Correct Form of Possession for Names Ending in 'S'

The question of whether to use 's' or 'ss' for the possessive form of singular nouns or names ending in 's' is a common one, especially in academic and professional writing. This article explores the nuances and provides clarity on the correct usage, backed by established grammatical rules and practices.

Introduction

Both forms, 's' and 'ss', are used in English grammar, particularly for singular possessive nouns. However, the form ultimately used might depend on personal preference, consistency, and the specific guidelines of the publication being adhered to.

General Rules

For the majority of singular nouns in the English language, the possessive form is created by adding an apostrophe followed by 's'. This rule applies regardless of whether the word ends in 's' or not. Here are some examples:

General Examples:

The bus' bumper The twins' birthday The dogs' collars

However, there is a common exception for singular nouns that end in 's'. The general rule is to add only 's' to make such nouns possessive, not 'ss'. This has been a source of debate among linguists and writers.

Usage of 's' for Singular Nouns Ending in 'S'

The preference for using 's' after a singular noun ending in 's' is gaining traction. This form is considered more succinct and consistent with the general rule. Here are some examples:

Examples Using 's':

Gladys's mother Thomas's book Lucas's friend

When reading aloud, these names can be pronounced with a separate 'iz' sound: "Glad-iz, Thomas-iz, Lucas-iz". This pronunciation supports the use of 's' over 'ss'.

Classical Names and Exceptions

Ancient and classical names ending in 's' can sometimes present unique challenges. For instance, 'Demosthenes's theory' might sound slightly awkward with the added syllable, resulting in a pronunciation of "Demostheneez-iz". This is less common in modern usage.

Many recommend using 's' even for classical names, insisting that clarity and consistency are more important than historical pronunciation. Therefore:

Demosthenes's theory Jesus's disciples

In these cases, the names are pronounced as "Demostheen-iz, jesus-iz," mirroring the general rule of adding 's' for possessive form.

Authoritative Perspectives

Some authoritative sources, like Strunk and White's Elements of Style, acknowledge this inconsistency. Strunk and White state that adding an 's' after 's' is the standard rule, though they also mention an exception for "ancient proper names." However, they later revert to the general rule, indicating a preference for simplicity and consistency.

Modern Consensus

Modern guidelines, such as those from the Associated Press (AP) and the Chicago Manual of Style, support the use of 's' for singular nouns ending in 's'. These guidelines are widely adopted in the academic and professional world, ensuring consistency and clarity in writing.

Conclusion

While both forms are technically correct, the usage of 's' for possessive forms of singular nouns ending in 's' is increasingly accepted. This form promotes clarity and adheres to the general rule of adding 's' to make a noun possessive. Whether writing for a specific publication or in personal work, it is advisable to maintain consistent usage. By doing so, one can avoid confusion and ensure a polished, professional tone in their writing.